PARACELIS, Mountain Province — Family members and communities in the Cordillera are mourning the death of 30-year-old soldier Cpl. Aldrin A. Wanson, who was killed in an ambush in Indanan, Sulu, on the morning of August 12, 2026.
Wanson was the son of Marites Assud-Wanson of Bunot, Paracelis, Mountain Province, and Almazan Wanson, a native of Tanudan, Kalinga. He studied at Rizal National High School in Santiago City and was assigned to the 41st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division.
According to a police report, Wanson was with fellow soldiers Cpl. Philip P. Wiga, 31, and Cpl. Benjie C. Jacinto, 33, when two armed men riding a motorcycle followed them after they underwent a physical fitness test.
The suspects opened fire on the soldiers at around 8:15 to 8:20 a.m. in Sitio Kasambuhan, Barangay Tagbak.
Wanson was killed in the attack, while Wiga and Jacinto were wounded and brought to a military hospital for treatment.
Authorities recovered shell casings at the scene believed to have come from a .45-caliber firearm.
The authorities are continuing their investigation and pursuit of the perpetrators. The motive for the attack remains unclear.
Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit of Paracelis expressed condolences to Wanson’s family and honored his courage, patriotism, and dedication to serving the country.
The municipal government, led by Mayor Marcos G. Ayangwa, joined Wanson’s family and the community in mourning.
The LGU described Wanson as a “beloved son” of Paracelis and extended its condolences and support to the Assud and Wanson families.
“We honor Cpl. Wanson’s courage, patriotism and selfless service,” the municipal government said. “His name and legacy will forever be remembered in our community.”